Archive for the 'Palm Beach County hotels'

Hotels in Palm Beach County had a stellar month in October, according to Smith Travel Research.

Hotels in the county were 63 percent full, up by 10 percent from last October. Rooms commanded rates averaging nearly $119 per night, up 7 percent, the researcher said.

Broward County hotels also saw gains in October, but smaller. Hotels in the county were 69 percent full, up by nearly 5 percent. Rooms commanded rates averaging $115 per night, up 4 percent, said Smith Travel.

Year to date, Palm Beach County hotels have seen occupancy rise about 3 percent and rates 7 percent. Broward County hotels have seen occupancy and rate both rise about 3 percent.

Palm Beach County hotels suffered steeper declines during the recession than Broward inns. That’s partly because Palm Beach County has a greater concentration of high-end resorts, which saw a sharp drop in business travel as a result of the economic slump, hotel analysts said.

More good news for South Florida tourism: Hotels in the area hosted more guests paying higher rates in July than a year ago, according to Smith Travel Research.

In Broward County, hotels were nearly 71 percent full in July, up 4 percent from last year. Guests paid an average $95 per night for stays in July, up nearly 2 percent from a year earlier, Smith Travel said.

In Palm Beach County, hotels were 61 percent full in July, up 3 percent from last year. Guests paid an average $110 per night for stays in July, up 5 percent from last year, said Smith Travel.

South Florida hotels reported their best January in years, new numbers from Smith Travel Research show.

In Broward County, hotels were 80 percent full at an average daily rate of $132 for the month. That’s up from 74 percent full at $125 a night last year. It’s the best January occupancy since 2006 and the best January rate since 2009 for Broward hotels, Smith Travel data shows.

In Palm Beach County, hotels were 74 percent full at an average daily rate of $162 for the month. That’s up from 70 percent full at $151 a night last year. It’s the best January occupancy since 2006 and best January rate since 2009 for Palm Beach County hotels, the numbers show.

For consumers, the strong showing mean it’s harder to find South Florida hotel bargains in the peak travel season.

To get deals, hoteliers suggest you try to reserve early or last-minute; visit during weeks when there are no holidays or school vacations; stay weekdays instead of weekends; and check Facebook among other sites for specials.

Any other suggestions to secure the best deals on South Florida hotels in winter? Please let us know.